Monday, May 20, 2013

JET Artisan Profile:Lisa Alcala of EmeraldPixie

I became inspired to make jewelry in high school. I could never find
jewelry that suited my style, so I would get pieces from thrift stores, take them apart
and create new jewelry designs with the components.

The very first piece I created all on my own was out of beads when I was
in college. There was a local bead store that allowed
people to create

I learned how to bead on my own. When I moved on to metalsmithing I
read books first, then while watching a jewelry making TV show on DIY, I
watched master metalsmith Carl Stanley create a stunning cuff
bracelet.

I looked him up on the internet and discovered that he teaches
workshops at Farrin O'Connor Design Studios in Pasadena, Ca. I have
learned metalsmithing from wonderful teachers like Carl Stanley, Margo Farrin,
and Sue Matz.

My favorite materials to work with are sterling silver, gold and gemstones. Gemstones influence my creative process. Many of my designs are minimalist styles, because I want to show off the stone - not the piece that holds it.